What do two countries like Italy and Spain have in common? Certainly, their friendly and welcoming manners, a similar gastronomic culture, a historical, artistic, and cultural heritage that sees them compete in a healthy and fun way, and a cheerful and festive spirit.
It is precisely this bond, consolidated over centuries, that has led Turiart Tours, a company specialized in cultural tourism for over twenty years, to plan and launch projects that involve both countries in reciprocal exchanges of touristic, cultural, and musical experiences.
Turiart Tours has promoted several musical twinning projects, involving choirs, orchestras, musicians, conservatory students, music teachers, etc. These exchange experiences have included various organizations throughout Italy, which in turn, have had the opportunity to meet and connect with similar entities in Spain, specifically in the city of Valencia and its region, where Turiart has been operating and working for several years.
The Valencia region, in fact, shares a long-standing musical culture with Italy, with cities like Valencia, Llíria, Cullera, Sagunto, and Buñol boasting musical talents of national and international relevance. It is Llíria, a city with 23,000 inhabitants, that was recognized as a UNESCO City of Music in 2019.
Music undoubtedly represents a common thread and a universal language capable of uniting peoples and cultures worldwide. However, the connections with Spain do not end with music. Another historical and cultural link between the Valencia region and Italy is certainly related to the history of the Borgia dynasty. Since 2018, the Valencia region, through the CreaTurisme tourism promotion program, has begun promoting the Borgia Territory (two Popes and a Valencian Saint), highlighting emblematic places and Spanish cities that hosted notable members of the Borgia Family. Among them are cities such as Valencia, Gandía, Xàtiva, and Llombai. From ducal palaces to majestic churches, and castles to evocative monasteries, the Borgia heritage in the Valencia region enjoys great charm and prestige.
In Italy, the Borgias also left a tangible mark of their influential presence, from Rome to Ferrara, where Lucrezia Borgia, daughter of Pope Alexander VI, held the title of Duchess after her marriage to Alfonso I d'Este, as well as in Bologna, Pesaro, Naples, and Bisceglie. Numerous are the palaces, churches, dances, books, artworks, and female figures that tell the story of this influential family, whose intrigue wove its way between Spain and Italy over the years.
In a meticulous work of reconstruction and commemoration, Turiart, with the support of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, is retracing these places and territories, creating exchanges, connections, and ties that have united the two countries for centuries.
Turiart Tours will be present at the upcoming TTG Fair in Rimini, from October 9th to 11th (stand C1/111), ready to welcome anyone who wishes to explore and share the passion for these two great cultures that represent two sides of the same coin.
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